Spa treatments that really exist, plus some low-cost alternatives

Dana Guthrie, Houston Chronicle

Dana Guthrie, Houston Chronicle

Published 1:05 pm, Thursday, August 7, 2014

Real spa treatment: You travel to northern Thailand and they take specially raised snails, imported from France, and let them crawl all over your face. The treatment costs anywhere from $30 to $200.
(Denis Gray, Associated Press)

Real spa treatment: You sit in a lawn chair inside a colorful room that is covered top to bottom with salt. It is supposed to help with everything from sleep disorders to arthritis.
(Scott Olson, Getty Images)

Real spa treatment: You sit in a lawn chair inside a colorful room...

DIY spa treatment: Cover a lawn chair with a thick coat of buttercream frosting and sit down. Try to absorb the sweetness. It's best to avoid licking the chair.
(Holger Leue, Getty Images)

Real spa treatment: People who practice Earthing walk around barefoot outside to absorb the Earth's energy. Of course it works better if you have an Earthing leader with spa expertise. You can also buy special Earthing mats to be at one with the planet without going outside.
(Olivia Bell Photography, Getty Images)

Real spa treatment: People who practice Earthing walk around...

DIY spa treatment: Listen to Enigma's "Return to Innocence" on repeat for one hour while lying face down in a rain puddle.
(Duston Todd, Getty Images)

DIY spa treatment: Listen to Enigma's "Return to Innocence" on...

Real spa treatment: A Reiki therapist hovers his or her hands over different parts of your body, transferring his or her positive energy to you.
(Image Source, Getty Images)

There is also Reiki for dogs, although we think most dogs would prefer to have their ears scratched.
(Barcroft Media, Getty Images)

There is also Reiki for dogs, although we think most dogs would...

DIY spa treatment: In the grocery store checkout line, stand as close as possible to someone who seems to have a positive aura. Inhale deeply. If you notice processed cheese in their cart, back away.
(Noel Hendrickson, Getty Images)

DIY spa treatment: In the grocery store checkout line, stand as...

Real spa treatment: Powdered human or animal placenta is mixed into a cream or mask and applied to your face.
(AlexanderNovikov, Getty Images)

DIY spa treatment: Rest your face directly on the skin of a freshly...

Real spa treatment: People practicing cryotherapy expose their bodies to freezing temperatures for a period of time. It is said to treat injuries and reduce pain.
(JANEK SKARZYNSKI, Getty Images)

Real spa treatment: People practicing cryotherapy expose their...

DIY spa treatment: Wear shorts and a tank top to Walmart and climb inside the vegetable freezer. Place bags of frozen peas and carrots on your extremities. Stay inside as long as you can stand the cold, or until someone forcibly removes you. It's best to do this during non-peak shopping hours.
(Tarek El Sombati, Getty Images)

DIY spa treatment: Wear shorts and a tank top to Walmart and climb...

Real spa treatment: You put your feet in fish-infested waters and let the fish chew off all of your imperfections. Too badyou can no longer do it in Texas.
(China Photos, Getty Images)